Where to start???

[Daxk]

sorry, missed this, no, Andy,I lived in Pretoria/Midrand and left SA 7 years ago because of crime.I used to spend a week a month in Cape Town for 3 years, so got to know it fairly well.

[arnaud]

Originally Posted by Wilburinho

Good Afternoon All,

I have very recently been offered the chance through work to relocate to Cape Town. I have a wife and 2 children (6 & 15) and would like some honest views if possible to help us to make what is quite a hard decision.

The thing is, we have around 12 weeks to sort things out if we do go ahead and having read contrasting views would really appreciate any advice (both positive and negative) as this is a very small window to work in.

Ideally advice around the following would be great as these are the questions that we keep asking ourselves:

* Do we really need to live in a security estate - no issue doing so but is it really necessary?
* What areas can be described as safe? Read good things about Somerset West, Gordons Bay & Stellenbosch?
* We are looking at the International school in Blouberg or Hout bay but this would mean a great deal of travel. Do we really need to look at the international schools or are we being somewhat snobby about this?
* I will be travelling into central Cape Town each day - is this hard work by car? What's the traffic like etc etc
* Any idea of average household utility bills would be good as we all have to balance the books

We really are considering this from an "Adventure" perspective but need to remain aware that adventure should not mean life threatening.

I'm not getting much information from my employer at the minute so anything anyone can help with will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for reading

I would recommend Somerset West. Depending where you work. As for crime, Cape Town is far from perfect but similar to most western big cities. There are plenty of expats living here (especially British). Sure you will enjoy it, even if I would prefer living in a quiet town in the country side in the Western Cape province.

[chris rossouw]

Hi

I am currently in Cape Town and would like to meet with as many expats as possible. Any contacts would be appreciated.


Best wishes

Chris

[Sara-J]

Wilburhino... What did you decide to do in the end?